Arnold Schmidt passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Dec. 16, 2023, at the age of 88.
Arnold was born in Hubbard, Oregon to Steve and Helen Schmidt. A life-long resident of the North Howell community, he loved farming his own property as well as assisting his countless family members and relatives with their operations. Arnold also loved driving trucks and running heavy equipment, having worked for Marion County as a Grader Man 2 for 30 years prior to his retirement in 1994.
Arnold married Shirlee Benike on Sept. 20, 1957, and together they raised two daughters, and loved and cherished their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Arnold is survived by his wife, Shirlee; their daughters, Rebecca (John) Jolliff and Vel’Dene Gould; as well as siblings, Stanley (Lavona) Schmidt, Richard (Linda) Schmidt, Joanne (Darrell) O’Mary, and Karen (Mark) Scherlie. He is also survived by grandchildren, Charisse (Sam) Loughery, Benjamin (Jenn) Jolliff, Carter (Julia) Gould, Dawson Gould, Ellie (Jacob) Gamboa and Emma (Garrett) Bristow; as well as great-grandchildren, Mason Jolliff, Olivia Loughery, Savannah Loughery, Declan Loughery, Lumen Gould, Cora Gould and Hattie Gamboa. He was preceded in death by his sister, Arlene Pennington, and grandson, Andrew Gould.
The family held a private burial at Bethany Pioneer Cemetery in Silverton.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at First Church of the Nazarene in Salem at 2 p.m. Donations may be made to Salem Academy Christian Schools. Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel – Silverton.
